How to Unclog a Drain Pipe

How to Unclog a Drain Pipe

Everyone has dealt with a clogged drain at some point in their lives, and at ASAP Plumbing we agree that dealing with a clogged pipe can be a very frustrating venture. From natural buildup that occurs in the shower or sink drains, to unusual clogs that seemingly happen out of nowhere, we are here to help! While some clogs call for a professional to help, those smaller clogs can often be handled on your own. If you are facing a simple clog in one of your drains, we recommend trying one, or all, of the following fool-proof methods:

Use, or Make, a Drain Snake
If you suspect a buildup of hair to be the culprit in your shower drain’s malfunction, getting a drain snake can be a lifesaver. You can find one of these handy tools at your local grocery store for cheap, but if you don’t have time to leave your house and grab one, wire hangers are also known to do the trick. Follow the instructions on the package of your drain snake. If using a hanger, simply create a hook on one end and slide the wire down into the drain in question. Once you are far enough in that you reach the clog, begin fishing out all that hair and gunk. Hopefully, your drain will be clear in no time!

Use a Plunger
Another option when dealing with a clogged sink or shower drain is to use a good ole plunger. When plunging a drain, remember not to use too much force at first. Slowly force the air out of the bell of your plunger and then begin plunging more firmly. It may take a dozen or so tries, but this should do the trick on some of those slightly stubborn, yet common, clogs.

Use Vinegar and Baking Soda
Another tried-and-true method of unclogging drains is to create a concoction of equal parts baking soda and vinegar. The trick to getting this method to work is to allow the solution to sit for a few hours, or even overnight if possible. The longer this fizzy potion sits, the more time it has to break down the gunk that is causing that pesky clog.

Boiling Water
Boiling water is another method that has been known to free up clogged drains. Carefully pour as much boiling water as you can into the sink or shower in question. This method requires you to repeat it multiple times as once may not be enough to do the trick.

If none of these options above seemed to do the trick, it may be time to call your friends at ASAP Plumbing. We are more than happy to handle those tough clogs with persistence and care. Give us a call today for any plumbing needs you may have: (228)-865-ASAP. We proudly serve Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi!